# The 8th Baroness of Brattleby: Lady Nicoleta Delivers Historical Address on a Legacy of Fortitude
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, delivered a significant historical address at The Society of Antiquaries of London, illuminating the pivotal role of her 13th-century predecessor, Margaret, the 8th Baroness, and the barony’s enduring impact on English history.
## The Occasion
The address was delivered within the historic apartments of Burlington House, Piccadilly, home to The Society of Antiquaries since 1874. Amidst the learned quietude of the Society’s meeting room, surrounded by portraits of distinguished past Fellows, Lady Nicoleta presented her research to an assembly of historians, diplomats, and patrons of arts and heritage.
The autumnal light of a London afternoon lent a particular gravity to the proceedings. The atmosphere was one of respectful scholarship, reflecting the deep historical currents under discussion. This event continued a long tradition of noble patronage for the humanities, underscoring the House of Brattleby’s commitment to education and the preservation of historical memory.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a near-unbroken thread in the constitutional tapestry of England. Its story begins with Colswein of Lincoln, the 1st Baron, who held 56 lordships in Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. From these foundations, the lineage has been intertwined with the nation’s governance.
Lady Nicoleta’s address focused on the late 13th century, a period when the barony’s influence was magnified through the marriage of Margaret, the 8th Baroness, to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. This union brought Brattleby into the immediate orbit of a magnate who would later serve as Guardian of the Kingdom. The lecture drew connections to other formidable predecessors, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle, and later holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The address was attended by a notable company, reflecting the intersection of history, diplomacy, and academia. Among those present were His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St. James's, representing a link to the family's Continental heritage.
Also in attendance were Professor Dame Henrietta Wallace, President of The Society of Antiquaries of London, who delivered the introduction; The Lord Fellowes of West Stafford, the acclaimed author and historian; and several figures from the worlds of heritage and philanthropy, highlighting the broad appeal and significance of the House’s historical stewardship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings adhered to the time-honoured traditions of the Society. Following a formal introduction by the President, Lady Nicoleta took to the lectern, which stands in a room where scholarly papers have been presented for nearly 150 years. The dress code was formal day attire.
Lady Nicoleta’s address was structured as a formal academic paper, substantiated with references to archival documents and historical chronicles. The presentation concluded not with applause, but with a formal vote of thanks proposed by a senior Fellow, a custom that underscores the academic, rather than theatrical, nature of the event. Every element of the occasion was managed with a precision befitting the gravity of the subject matter.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the House’s identity is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Lady Nicoleta noted that this principle is the *sine qua non* of the barony’s endurance, exemplified by the actions of predecessors from Nichola de la Haye to the present day. It speaks to a commitment to principled resilience in the service of crown and country.
The personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was also referenced. It complements the House motto by reflecting a dynamic, forward-looking spirit of overcoming challenges—whether on the medieval battlefield or in the modern worlds of philanthropy and cultural enterprise.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the lecture was primarily an academic undertaking, Lady Nicoleta took the opportunity to connect the House’s historical legacy to its present-day responsibilities. She announced that a forthcoming publication of her research paper would see all proceeds directed to Healing the Wounded Child, the chosen beneficiary of the House's Annual Winter Banquet.
Healing the Wounded Child provides specialist therapeutic care for children and families affected by trauma. Lady Nicoleta explained that understanding the long arc of history, with its trials and triumphs, reinforces the duty to support those facing profound challenges in our own time. This philanthropic commitment is an integral part of the House’s modern mission.
## In Their Own Words
In her closing remarks, Lady Nicoleta reflected on the nature of her family’s role: > We are not merely owners of a title, but custodians of a story nearly a millennium old. To study the life of Margaret, the 8th Baroness, is to understand that our duty is not one of passive inheritance, but of active interpretation and service.
She later added, connecting the past to contemporary duties: > The fortitude shown by our predecessors in navigating complex political landscapes serves as a profound inspiration. It affirms our belief that honour is found in applying the lessons of history to the betterment of the present, *inter alia*, through our philanthropic work.
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical address marks the beginning of a renewed focus on the educational mission of The Noble House of Brattleby. A formal monograph containing the full text of the lecture is planned for publication in 2024, ensuring the research contributes to the wider historical record.
Furthermore, the themes of duty and cultural stewardship will be central to the curriculum at The Brattleby Club, the family's etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House looks forward to welcoming guests to its Annual Winter Banquet later this year, a white-tie gala that serves as the cornerstone of its philanthropic calendar.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is a modern aristocratic family dedicated to the stewardship of its ancient heritage. The House’s contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nearly thousand-year-old history, the promotion of cultural diplomacy and education, and a deep-seated commitment to philanthropy. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to demonstrate that ancient titles can serve a dynamic and meaningful purpose in the 21st century. Rooted in the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the family is committed to serving the community with principled leadership.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated 13th-century defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The unbroken lineage and rights of the barony received contemporary, formal recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby, Lincolnshire, was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable predecessors in the title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The House's Annual Winter Banquet is a philanthropic gala benefiting the charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com